The
first Southern province bordering the Indian Ocean is Ranong, located some
568 kms. from Bangkok. Ranong is very famous even though it is very small
occupying an area of only 3,298 square kilometers, because it is Thailand's
rainiest province, and also its narrowest. The Kra Isthmus, the narrowest
part of the Malayan Peninsula is located here. Ranong is a long-narrow
plot of land extending 169 kms. from north to south, and only 9 kms. at
its narrowest. Most of the province is rainforested mountains bordering
on Chumphon to the north, Surat Thani and Phangnga to the south, Chumphon
to the east and Burma to the northwest. Ranong is administratively divided
into four Amphoes; Amphoe Muand, Kra Buri, Kapoe and La-un.
Tourist Attractions
Amphoe Muang
Hot Springs and Raksawarin
Arboretum are near Wat Tapotharam two kilometers east of Ranong
township. The temperature of the water is about 65 degrees celcius. The
deep shaded forest surrounding the hot spring is very lovely and is maintained
an arboretum named "Raksawarin" by the Municipality having rest pavillions
and bathrooms.
Nam Tok Punyaban Another name of this waterfall is "Nam Tok Sed Takuad" located on Kra Buri - Ranong Road, 15 kms. before Rangong township area. The waterfall itself cascades from a high cliff and makes a refreshing rest stop for motorist touring along the south.
Nam Tok Ngao Forest Park This waterfall is located 12 kms. south of Ranong township area where the whole stream cascades from a high mountain and can be seen afar. The beautiful scenery of mountains and pastures is visible from the resting area near the fall.
Victoria Point Right across the La - un River, opposite Ranong, is a small town of the Union of Myanmar, Victoria Point. Its main attractions are local products and souvenirs which are available for tourists with reasonable price. The place is accessible within half an hour by mean of boat which is available at Ranong landing for about $200-300, but prior immigration formality must first go through.
Ko Phayam This Island is a two hours boat trip from Ranong Landing. It is a location of a pearl raising farm and many households of Chao Le Tribal people (sea gypsy).
Amphoe Kra Buri
Tham Phra Khayang is
12 kms. from township area. An old legend links it to the establishment
of Kra Buri town. Beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations can be
seen and it is said that there is Lek Lai (a special iron element
believed to be elastic and flexible like wax) in this cave too.
Isthmus of Kra The narrowest part of the Malayan Peninsula is located here approximately at kms. 545 of Highway No 4. The scenery visible from the view-point here is the Kra Buri River, the nature border line between Thailand and Myanmar.
Nam Tok Bokkrai This waterfall is located 2 kms. from Kra Buri township with another 13 kms. on the leftside of the main road along the laterite road to the fall. Bokkrai Waterfall has many steps with fascinating nature surrounding.
Amphoe La-un
Ruin Japanese Warship
On the left side of the bridge over the La-un River is the old Japanese
Warship buried during the end of the Second World War. The ruin can be
seen during the low tide period. The area of Tambon Pak-chan was used by
Japanese Army as the pier to supply war materials for its army in Myanmar
during the Second World War.
Amphoe Kapoe
Laem Son National Park
From Ranong twonship along Phetkasem Road at kms. 657, turn right another
10 kms. is the Laem Son National Park. With its area of over 315 square
kilometers, the park includes beautiful beaches, islands and fascinating
coral reef. Accommodations in the park are available in the from of bungalows
and prior reservation is needed by contacting the National Park Division
Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.
Nam Tok Khao Phra Narai This fall is situated about 3 kms. from the Amphoe administrative Office. The surrounding area, including the fall, is lovely and peaceful with shady all around.
Khlong Nakha Wild Life Sanctuary Located about 25 kms. from the township area. Wild life of different types and species are scattered all around this ever-green tropical forest, together with beautiful waterfall make the sanctuary even more attractive for nature-loving tourist and visitor.